2nd Ashes Test, Day 2: Steven Smith double ton and early wickets give Australia commanding position
At close of play of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord’s, England are batting at 85/4, trailing Australia by 481 runs. Captain Alastair Cook is unbeaten on 21(87balls) and Ben Stokes is with him at 38(50balls).
Earlier in the day, Steven Smith carried on from his overnight score of 129 to score 215, the first double ton by an Australian at Lord's in 77 years. Australia declared at 566/8, exposing England to the pressure of the third session.
The hosts got off to the worst of starts, with Adam Lyth caught behind off Mitchell Starc in the second ball of the innings. Mitchell Johnson struck twice soon after, and Josh Hazlewood claimed one scalp, as England slumped to 30/4, with Joe Root back in the pavilion.
Ben Stokes came in at No.6 to stage a counter-attack, staging a partnership of 55 runs with Alastair Cook, who himself carefully watched through till the end of the day’s action.